If you are looking for an inexpensive and compact way to exercise at home, the Total Gym 1100 is an attractive alternative to traditional bulky home gyms that use weight plates or power rods for resistance. It won't provide the same level workout as a standard home gym and it isn't as easy to use as the TV commercials would lead you to believe, but those limited by space and budget will undoubtedly reap some fitness benefits from this machine.

Unlike traditional home gyms, the Fitness Quest Total Gym 1100 consists of an ergonomic board that glides back and forth to stretch and strengthen muscles. Resistance is provided by your own body weight and the unit is equipped with handles and leg attachments for a full body workout. The Total Gym 1100 weighs just 54 pounds and folds away for easy storage in a closet.

This machine is solidly constructed and operates smoothly. Resistance is adjusted by changing the incline of the board up to a maximum of 60 percent of your body weight. Fitness Quest claims that the Total Gym 1100 offers more than 60 different exercises. Some of these are slight variations on the same exercise, but the fact remains that this device will deliver a workout for upper- and lower-body muscles as well as abdominal muscles. It also provides a cardiovascular workout at the same time as it tones and stretches. If you are looking for a home gym to provide increased body mass, though, then this is not the right product for you. If you struggle to motivate yourself to exercise, we'd also suggest looking beyond the Total Gym 1100; we think the limitations of this machine will make for a monotonous and unchallenging workout over time.

The Fitness Quest Total Gym 1100 is not suitable for serious athletes or bodybuilders, but beginning exercisers should consider this an inexpensive and space-saving alternative to a traditional home gym.


Pros: Saves space, provides over 60 exercises, operates smoothly and quietly
Cons: Resistance limited to percentage of body weight, not challenging enough for serious exercisers

Warranty
1 year, limited